Water Supply for Suburban and Rural Firefighting, First

Water Supply for Suburban and Rural Firefighting, First Edition Final Version – December 2012

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Water Supply for Suburban and Rural Firefighting, First Edition, manual was developed

through a cooperative effort of the following Northern Virginia fire departments:

Arlington County

City of Alexandria

City of Fairfax

Fairfax County

Fort Belvoir

Fort Myer

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Prince William County

The following committee members assisted in the development of the first edition of the manual:

City of Alexandria: Sam Good

Arlington County: Randy Higgins

City of Fairfax: Pete Rhoads

Fairfax County: Mark Feaster, Al Mullins

Fort Belvior: Richard Monroe

Loudoun County: Scott Cullers, Josh Cooper

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: Tim Legore

Prince William County: Doug Monaco, Kevin Artone (Manual Advisor)

The committee would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their help in

the development of this manual:

AAW Publication Services: Andrea A. Walter (editing and layout)


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ....................................................................................................................................... 4

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................................... 5

COMMAND PROCEDURES FOR WATER SUPPLY ................................................................ 6

OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES.................................................................................................. 8

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................................ 10

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................ 11

RURAL WATER SUPPLY AREA PREPLANNING ................................................................. 17

WATER USAGE AGREEMENT ................................................................................................ 18

FIRE OPERATIONS .................................................................................................................... 19

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................ 20

NON-DOMESTIC HYDRANT WATER SOURCES ................................................................. 27

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................. 28

APPENDIX B – WATER USAGE AGREEMENT ..................................................................... 30

APPENDIX C – WATER SUPPLY GRAPHICS ........................................................................ 31

APPENDIX D – DRY HYDRANTS AND STORAGE TANKS ................................................ 44

APPENDIX E – NOVA QUICK REFERENCE SHEET ............................................................. 46

APPENDIX F – NOVA RURAL WATER SUPPLY WORKSHEET ......................................... 48


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PREFACE Every year in the Northern Virginia area, fires occur in rural and non-hydrant areas that account

for significant fire losses. These fires typically occur where hydrants are in excess of 2,000 feet

from the occupancy on fire.

Historically, in the more rural areas, the dwellings and occupancies were small homes or

outbuildings that did not require significant fire flows to accomplish extinguishment. However,

in recent years, with the advent of lightweight construction and buildings with over 4,000 square

feet of living space located in non-hydrant areas, water supply requirements have become

critical. These incidents easily overwhelm the first-arriving companies and their ability to

generate adequate water supplies.

This manual will discuss tanker operations in detail. It is important to note that tanker safety is

critical to the success of the operation and, more importantly, the safety of firefighters, Figure 1.

All too often, headlines appear in the news like: “Tanker Crash kills 14-Year-Old and Mother”,

“Tanker Involved in Rollover Accident, Driver Trapped,” and, “Firefighter Killed in Rollover of

Tanker”.

Chris Cavetter wrote the following excerpt in an article in Fire Chief Magazine:

“Tankers account for only a small portion of the apparatus operated by fire departments in

the United States, yet they are involved in many of the accidents — a lot of them fatal. Here

are 10 deadly mistakes that departments often make when specifying, building, operating and

maintaining tankers.

1. Overloading the vehicle 2. Raising the center of gravity

3. Omitting the tank baffles

4. Cutting and splicing the frame

5. Not training drivers

6. Not limiting vehicle speed

7. Not wearing seatbelts

8. Not using ground guides when backing

9. Not following NFPA 1901

10. Not performing regular maintenance.”

[The entire article can be viewed at http://firechief.com/apparatus/ten-tanker-mistakes/.]

Tanker safety must be a priority to all jurisdictions. When a tanker is responding by itself, a

minimum of two personnel should be assigned to the unit whenever possible.

Figure 1 – Tanker accident.

http://firechief.com/apparatus/ten-tanker-mistakes/


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OVERVIEW The purpose of this manual is to:

Reduce the potential life and property loss by developing an adequate water supply.

Stress the importance to identify all rural/non-hydrant boxes by dispatch.

Develop a standardized build-up of resources and tactics to combat fires in non-hydrant

areas.

Develop the appropriate Incident Command System (ICS) to successfully manage water

supply operations in non-hydrant areas.

Identify common terminology.

Describe the equipment to be used for rural water supply operations

Standardize the equipment to be used for all tanker companies.

Develop standard deployment of operational units for fires in non-hydrant areas.

Establish a Tanker Task Force response to be dispatched to all working fires in non-

hydrant areas.

Provide for a safe working environment for initial attack companies on these incidents.


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COMMAND PROCEDURES FOR WATER SUPPLY The following section outlines the command procedures for water supply operations.

Water Supply

Group

Supervisor

Fill Site

Unit Leader

Dump Site

Unit Leader

Water Supply Group Supervisor (WSGS)

The roles and responsibilities of the Water Supply Group Supervisor (WSGS) include:

Supervision of the Water Supply Group, which is responsible for providing adequate

water to the incident.

Establishing and coordinating the fill sites, dump sites, shuttle routes, and/or relay

operations in both hydrant and non-hydrant areas.

Determining with the incident commander the water supply needs of the incident.

Keeping command appraised of the amount of water available upon request.

Coordinating traffic control with law enforcement as required.

Ensuring tankers get priority at the fill and dump sites.

Ensuring adequate resources are available to support the water supply group.

Consideration should be given for alternate radio channels for the water supply operation.

Dump Site Unit Leader

The roles and responsibilities of the Dump Site Unit Leader include:

Managing all activities at the dump site.

Keeping WSGS apprised of the amount of water available upon request.


Ensuring that tankers get priority at the dump sites.

Ensuring units are dumped in the timeliest and safest manner possible.

Figure 2 – Sample ICS chart for rural water supply operations.


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Fill Site Unit Leader

The roles and responsibilities of the Fill Site Unit Leader include:

Managing all activities at the fill site.

Keeping WSGS apprised of the fill site conditions upon request.


Ensuring tankers get priority at the fill sites.

Ensuring units are filled in the timeliest and safest manner possible.


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OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

The following sections outline the procedures necessary for the successful operation of a dump

site and a fill site.

Dump Site Operations – Tankers have Priority at Dump Sites!

The dump site is typical located near the end of the driveway leading to the structure

unless otherwise noted.

Exact dump site layouts shall be determined by the terrain; ensure tanks are not set up

over ditches or on steep inclines.

The engine company designated by the area map book/preplan should drop an

appropriate appliance, such as a Siamese, at the dump site location and proceed to the

incident, typically laying supply line.

Companies arriving on the scene need to support the water supply through the appliance

until the dump tanks can be set up for use by the supply engine.

The first tanker either pulls past or stops short of the driveway to allow for the setting up

of the dump tanks. Tanker driver attaches a line to the supply Siamese and provides water

for the first (attack) engine. Tanker driver drops all dump tanks and sets up one to be used

immediately. The hard sleeves with the low-level strainer will be left by the tanker driver

at the dump site to allow the supply engine to readily hook up and begin water supply

operations.

Supply engine at the dump site sets up for a draft.

Once a draft is established, tankers will drop the remaining water into the dump tanks

then proceed to fill site.

If a draft cannot be established in a reasonable amount of time consideration should be

given to replacing the unit at the dump site.

The dump site engine driver will temporarily be in charge of dump site until relieved by

the third engine officer.

The Dump Site Unit Leader needs to make sure ample numbers of tanks are set up at the

dump site.

When two or more dump tanks are set up, use of the jet siphon system is recommended.

This allows for better use of the water on hand and prevents equalizing of the drafting

tanks, which will bring the water below the minimum height for drafting.

Tankers have the right-of-way in the dump site area; tankers will use their side and/or

rear dumps.

Engine companies involved in the shuttle operation will attach to supply lines away from

the dump site and pump their water off. This should leave ample room for tankers to

move through the dump site area.

The Dump Site Unit Leader needs to be very cognizant of the fact that apparatus will be

moving through the site. Safety of the personnel is paramount.

Water is a very important resource! DO NOT WASTE WATER!

Personnel at the dump site need to wear appropriate PPE, including traffic and command

vests.

Water supply or shuttling units may need to be staged and directed into the incident site

as needed to keep the operation moving efficiently.


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Fill Site Operations - Tankers have Priority at the Fill Sites!

Typically, the fifth engine is responsible for setting up and maintaining the fill site; the

engine OIC will be the Fill Site Unit Leader.

The first engine shall communicate the fill site location to communications center

Tankers have priority at the fill sites; they need to have a designated fill position that does

not become encumbered by engines.

At least two lines will come from the Fill Site engine to facilitate the rapid filling of units

coming to the fill site; fill only one unit at a time.

Fill site engines with electronic governor controls need to always draft and fill in RPM

mode, pressure mode can cause damage to tanks!

The fill site crew will connect and disconnect the fill lines as needed to facilitate a rapid

turnaround for units coming and departing the fill site.

The Fill Site Unit Leader needs to ensure apparatus moves efficiently through the fill site.

The Fill Site Unit Leader is responsible for site safety ensuring all personnel know their

assignments.

The WSGS needs to STRONGLY consider more than one fill site.

Personnel at the fill area need to wear the appropriate PPE to include traffic vests and

shall wear PFDs if working around an open water source.


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GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

There are several general issues of importance when considering water supply for suburban and

rural firefighting:

Tanker and rural water supply (drafting) operations need to be practiced on a regular

basis.

The ability to build up and support these incident operations need to be identified early,

and additional resources need to be called for at that time.

Build-up and support for this operation is time consuming and calls for an extremely

proactive approach by the initial Incident Commander (IC).

Units and personnel at the dump and fill site need to be very conservative in their water

management. Water should not be wasted at the fill or dump site; it needs to be handled

efficiently so it can be transferred to the attack engine for use on the fire ground.

Travel lanes between the dump and fill site(s) must remain open and where possible wide

enough for tankers to pass.

Tanker Flow Calculations

The fire flow that can be obtained from a particular unit can be estimated using the following

formula: Total Capacity of Tanker minus 20% divided by the round trip time.

Basic Example: A Tanker with 2,500 gallons of water and a travel and fill time of 10

minutes will typically provide 200 gallons per minute fire flow on the fire ground:

Capacity of 2,500 minus 20% (2,500 minus 500) = 2,000

2,000/10 = 200 gallons per minute.

This is the estimated fire flow based on this calculation.

Fire Flow Formula. The NOVA region has adopted the National Fire Academy’s Needed Fire

Flow Formula for estimating the required fire flow for rapid fire control (1 to 2 minutes):

(Length x Width divided by 3) x # of floors + 25% for each exposure = needed fire flow.

Example: 30’ by 50’ by two-story building, one floor with fire involvement and two

exposures.

30 x 50 = 1,500 divided by 3 = 500

1 floor involved 500 x 1 = 500

500 + 2 exposures 250 GPM

Total Fire Flow 750 GPM


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TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

This section will discuss recommended tools

and equipment for water supply operations.

Equipment may vary in style and

manufacture depending on jurisdiction.

Dump Tanks

Dump Tanks are portable water tanks that

can be set up to augment the water supply in

a tanker shuttle operation, Figure 3.

Typical sizes of dump tanks:

1,500 Gallons - 10’ 3” x 10’ 3” x 30”

2,100 Gallons - 11’ 3” x 11’ 3” x 30”

2,500 Gallons - 12’ 3” x 12’ 3” x 30”

3,000 Gallons - 13’ 3” x 13’ 3” x 30”

Low-Level Suction Strainer

Low-level suction strainers are for use in dump tanks, Figure 4. They allow the engine company

drafting to make the best use of all available water in a dump tank down to a water level of

approximately two inches.

Low-Profile Jet Siphon Strainer

Low-profile jet siphon strainers, Figure 5, allow engines the ability to get water from the dump

tanks without having to draft. By charging the 1¾” hoseline, a continuous flow is established.

This device can be used to transfer water from one tank to another.

Figure 3 – Dump tanks.

Figure 4 – Low-level suction strainer.


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Supply Line Holder

Supply line holders allow personnel assigned to the dump site to set up fill lines for the tanks

using 3- or 4-inch hose, Figures 6 and 7. This holder will replace a firefighter typically needed to

hold the line while it is discharging into the tank.

Sections of 3 or 4-inch hose are recommended to allow engines to connect and pump off water

away from the draft site, which allow tankers easy access to the dump tank.

Figure 5 – Low-profile jet siphon strainer.

Figure 6 – LDH Supply line holder.


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Jet Siphon

The jet siphon, Figure 8, is an auxiliary item that helps move water between dump tanks and

helps with water conservation in the operation. By using the venturi effect, the siphon moves

500 gpm between the tanks as needed.

Floating Dock Strainer

A floating dock strainer, Figure 9, allows engines or tankers to draft from a static water source.

The strainer floats on the surface of the water and does not need additional equipment to keep it

off the bottom of the water source.

Figure 8 – Jet siphon.

Figure 7 – 3” Supply line holder.


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Gated Wyes/Siamese

Gated Wye Set up for LDH and two 3” lines

for use at fill sites.

Gated Wye set up for LDH lines for use at

dump sites when a LDH Siamese is not

available.

LDH Siamese

Figure 9 – Floating dock strainer.


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Triamese

Minimum Equipment to Be Carried on Units

Equipment to be carried on all tankers:

o Dump tanks – one or two, total size must be at least capacity of tank

o Two 6” hard sleeves

o 6” low-level strainer

o 4” Siamese, manifold, or wye

o Siphon device to move water from one tank to another

o Floating dock strainer

o Supply line (size and amount varies depending on unit)

o Adapters 2½” to 4” (All 4” to be Storz connections)

o Adapters 5” to 6”

o Adapters 4½” to 6”

o Salvage covers for under tanks

o Supply line holder – 3” or 4”

o Water Supply Officer bag1

o Water supply preplan book

Equipment to be carried on engines at tanker stations:

o Two 6” hard sleeves

o 6” floating dock strainer

o Supply line – minimum 1,000’ LDH or 2,000’ 3”

o Siphon device to move water from one tank to another

o Adapters – 5” to 6”

o Adapters – 4½” to 6” double female

o Adapters – four 2½” male to 4” Storz

o Adapters – four 2½” female to 4” Storz

o Water Supply Officer bag

1 The Water Supply Officer bag includes: NOVA quick reference guide, tanker capacity guide, tanker resource

guide, water supply worksheets, one notepad, two stop watches, one handheld calculator, Water Supply Group

Supervisor vest, Fill Site vest, and Dump Site Vest.


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o Water supply preplan book

o 4” Siamese, manifold, or gated wye set up for 4” Storz connections for dump site

o Two gated wyes or manifold set up for 4” to two 2½” connections for the fill site

o Personal flotation devices (PFDs) for staffing positions

Equipment to be carried on all engines:

o Two 6” Hard sleeves (strongly suggested)

o 6” Floating Dock Strainer (strongly suggested)

o Supply Line – minimum 1,000’ LDH or 2,000’ 3” (strongly suggested)

o 4” Siamese, manifold, or gated wye set up for 4” Storz connections for dump site

operations

o Adapters – four 2½” to 4”

o PFDs for staffing positions

Equipment to be carried on all command vehicles:

o Water Supply Officer bag

o Jurisdiction’s water supply preplans


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RURAL WATER SUPPLY AREA PREPLANNING

Preplanning areas where there are no hydrants is extremely important to allow operations to be

initiated at the earliest possible moment. A comprehensive preplan needs to be developed. This

preplan could be included on map book pages or be separate document.

Homes and other occupied structures in non-hydrant areas need to be identified and water supply

area preplan needs to be completed to ensure adequate water supply can be established.

It is recommended preplans for all non-hydrant areas be completed and sent to the first six

engine companies and the tanker stations for inclusion in a rural water supply preplan book.

(Ensure neighboring jurisdictions are included in this effort.)

A rural water supply preplan book shall be maintained by the tanker stations. New streets and

preplans shall be added in the book as they become available.


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WATER USAGE AGREEMENT

The Code of Virginia (1989) Title 27 § 27-20 (Chapter 2 – Fire Departments and Fire

Companies, Section 27-20) has been interpreted as allowing fire departments and fire companies

the right to acquire water from whatever source is available, "to prevent the spread of fire.”

It would be beneficial from a public relations perspective for the departments to have a water

usage agreement with owner(s) of preplanned water sources. Therefore, every reasonable effort

should be made to contact owners of privately owned water sources (with no public access). A

Water Usage Agreement (Appendix B) should be filled out, signed by the respective parties, and

kept on file. This shall apply to both static and non-static sources.


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FIRE OPERATIONS

Tankers will be dispatched on all structure fire incidents in non-hydrant areas. If this is not done

at dispatch through the communications center, then a Tanker Task Force should be added by the

initial engine company or the battalion chief.

The recommended dispatch for a Tanker Task Force should consist of the following units:

One engine

Three tankers

One Command Level Officer

If tankers are dispatched without engines, it is strongly recommended an additional firefighter is

placed on the unit for a crew of two. This will increase the safety of the crew responding to the

incident, as well as allow for greater efficiency when performing the tasks required on the scene

or at the fill/dump site.

Size-Up and Situation Reports

The first-in company in a non-hydrant area must provide a good concise situation report to the

balance of the assigned units coming to the scene. The first-arriving officer needs to do a very

good risk benefit analysis to determine whether or not to commit to an offensive operation based

on the visual cues available to them on arrival. Additionally, the OIC needs to base their tactics

and fire flow requirements on the anticipated water supply.

Based on a risk benefit analysis, the first-in engine company officer must start to develop the

appropriate organizational structure to manage the incident. This should be started early and

needs to be correct for the incident at hand.

If there is a need to initiate interior offensive operations, it needs to be started as soon as feasible.

(Consideration should be given to use CAFS, Class A foam solution, or Class B foam lines to

maximize resources; by using foam, crews can effectively extend firefighting operations by

using less water.)

While en route to the fire, the first-arriving engine officer needs to begin to set up for water

supply operations. With the appropriate area preplan, the officer can designate fill sites, dump

sites, or relay positions that will allow in-coming units to take their pre-determined positions.


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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Shuttle Operation (Typically lays less than 1,000 feet) (Includes a Tanker Task Force)

Note – Engines should be used to shuttle water only if needed.

First Engine

Upon dispatch of a working fire in a structure in a non-hydrant area, a Tanker Task Force

should be added at the discretion of the initial engine company or the battalion chief.

Lay out supply line from the driveway to the incident. This should be done from where

the supply pumper and dump tanks are to be located (the dump site). This may require a

split lay.

Assign fifth engine to fill site operation duties and designate fill site location.

The lay out from the first engine should include a Siamese on the supply line whenever

possible.

Advise incoming units of the mode of attack and supply line position according to the

pre-plan.

First Tanker

Pump water to first engine through the Siamese.

Drop dump tanks, hard sleeves, low level strainer, and other ancillary devices for dump

site operations. Drop an additional Siamese and hose for the dump site engine.

Once a draft is established from the dump tank by the dump site engine (normally the

second engine), the tanker dumps its remaining water into dump tanks.

Once the tanker is empty, this unit becomes part of the shuttle operation and proceeds to

the fill site.

Second Engine (Typically Draft Engine)

Engine driver sets up to supply water to the first engine from the dump site by hooking a

line to the Siamese attached to the first engine’s supply line.

Second engine positions at dump tank and establishes a draft. Once draft is established,

tanker will drop their water into the dump tanks and shuttle.

Crew then proceeds up the driveway to deploy a back-up line.

Second engine must leave room for additional drafting tanks to expand the water supply

if needed.

Third Engine [Reference Procedural Bulletin 2010-01 for Regional Deviation]

Officer and crew arrive on the scene and assume control of the dump site.

Crew from engine sets up and staffs the dump site.

Third engine officer assumes position as Dump Site Unit Leader (DSUL).

Engine driver drops water into the dump tank or sets up to flow water to the second

engine via the Siamese. After off-loading water, unit proceeds to the designated fill site.

The DSUL will head up water supply operations until the second Battalion Chief

establishes the Water Supply Group. Once the Water Supply Group is established, the

DSUL will only be responsible for dump site operations.


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Engine becomes part of the shuttle operation.

Fourth Engine

Officer and two firefighters proceed to the incident scene and become the RIT.

[Reference Procedural Bulletin 2010-01 for regional deviations.]

Driver drops water at the dump site and proceeds to the designated fill site.

Engine becomes part of the shuttle operation if needed.

Fifth Engine (Fill Site Engine)

The fifth engine dispatched on the incident will most likely be directed to respond to the

fill site location with the crew to begin fill site operations.

At least two lines will come from the engine to facilitate the rapid filling of units coming

to the fill site. (Tankers have priority and should have a designated fill position.)

The officer will become the Fill Site Unit Leader and will be under the direction of the

Water Supply Group Supervisor.

First Truck

Position truck as close to the fire scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation. Consideration should be given to use of adjacent driveways.

First Rescue

Position as close to the incident scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.


Second and Third Tanker

Arrives on scene at the designated dump site and drops water into the dump tanks.

Drops additional equipment as required by the Water Supply Group Supervisor.

Becomes part of the shuttle operation.

Second Truck

Position truck as close to the fire scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.


First EMS Unit (If Suppression Trained)

Follows direction of IC.

If this unit is from a tanker station the crew can be used to augment the operation due to

their familiarity with the system.

If unit is used to assist in water supply operations and or firefighting an additional EMS

unit needs to be called for immediately.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation.


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First Battalion Chief

Takes over as the Incident Commander.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation. First EMS

Supervisor/Command Aide - (If Suppression Trained)

Assists battalion chief or IC as needed.


Second Battalion Chief

Takes over responsibility as the Water Supply Group Supervisor.


Second EMS Supervisor/Command Aide - (If Suppression Trained)

Assists battalion chief with Water Supply Group Operations.


Third Battalion Chief/Command Level Officer from the Tanker Task Force

Reports to command for assignment


Combination Operations

There are multiple combination operations that can be set up; this manual will only cover a few.

Unit assignments are given in the appendices of this manual to cover the operations shown.

Unique water supply operations will dictate the use of equipment and personnel. Listed below

are tasks assigned to units on every incident.

First-Engine Company

Upon dispatch of a working structure fire in a non-hydrant area, a Tanker Task Force

should be added by the initial engine company or the battalion chief.

Lay out supply line from area preplan.

Have the fifth-due engine company respond to a designated fill site.

Advise incoming units of the mode of attack and supply line position according to the

pre-plan.

Second Engine

Driver performs water supply duties assigned per the preplan.

Officer and crew to report to fire scene.

Third Engine [Reference Procedural Bulletin 2010-01 for Regional Deviation]

Third engine officer assumes position as Dump Site Unit Leader (DSUL).

The DSUL will head up water supply operations until the second Battalion Chief

establishes the Water Supply Group. Once the Water Supply Group is established, the

DSUL will only be responsible for dump site operations.


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Crew is used to facilitate water supply, the following are a few tasks that may need to be

accomplished - set up the dump site, stretch supply lines, attach appliances to lines,

connect and disconnect lines for shuttling pumpers, set up portable pumps.

Fourth Engine

Crew with officer proceeds to the incident site to become RIT. [Reference Procedural

Bulletin 2010-01 for regional deviations.]

Driver to stay with engine to shuttle if needed or pump during relay operations.

Fifth Engine

The fifth–due engine dispatched on the incident will most likely be directed to respond to

the fill site location with the crew to begin fill site operations.

At least two lines will come from the engine to facilitate the rapid filling of units coming

to the fill site; only one unit will be filled at a time. (Tankers have priority and should

have a designated fill position.)

The officer will become the Fill Site Unit Leader and will be under the direction of the

Water Supply Group Supervisor.

In relay operations, officer and crew will be given an assignment.

Tankers

In a shuttle operation, if dump site is not established:

o Tankers are to stop at dump-site location.

o Hooks line up to siamese or wye and begins to supply water.

o Assists third-due engine company crew with establishing dump site by dropping

additional dump tanks and equipment.

o When water drop is completed these units becomes part of the shuttle operation.

In a shuttle operation, if dump site is established:

o Tankers may need to drop additional equipment at the dump site or fill site as needed.

o Tankers will shuttle.

If in a relay operation:

o Tankers will supplement the water supply until relay is operational.

o Tankers may continue to be used to supplement the relay operation with a shuttle

operation.

First Truck

Positions truck as close to the fire scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation. Consideration should be given to adjacent driveways.

Second Truck

Positions truck as close to the fire scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation. Consideration should be given to adjacent driveways.


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First Rescue

Positions as close to the incident scene as possible for access by crew and equipment.


First EMS Unit (If Suppression Trained)

Follows direction of IC.

Unit must not block travel lanes for shuttle operation. If this unit is from a tanker station the crew can be used to augment the operation due to

their familiarity with the system.

If unit is used to assist in water supply operations and or firefighting an additional EMS

unit needs to be called for.

First Battalion Chief

Takes over as the IC.

First EMS Supervisor/Command Aide - (If Suppression Trained)

Assists battalion chief or IC as needed.


Second Battalion Chief

Takes over responsibility as the Water Supply Group Supervisor.


Second EMS Supervisor/Command Aide - (If Suppression Trained)

Assists battalion chief with Water Supply Group Operations.


Third Battalion Chief/Command Level Officer from the Tanker Task Force

Reports to command for assignment



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Rural Water Supply Relay Operations With proper preplanning, relay operations with 4” hose are feasible at distances over one mile. It

is recommended a water shuttle supplement the relay as it is being set up due to the time

parameters of laying large amounts of hose. The low friction loss makes long relays a viable

option.

Relay operations need to be preplanned and the preplan needs to be followed.

The rural water supply relay operation is a time consuming operation and a Tanker Task Force

needs to be dispatched to these incidents to ensure an adequate supply of engine companies to

complete the hose lay.

Additional tankers and engines that are not needed to accomplish the relay can supply their water

to the fireground through a designated relay engine. The Water Supply Group Supervisor shall

designate which engine is to accept the water from the supplementing units. The third-arriving

engine company officer shall assume the role of the Water Supply Group Supervisor until

relieved by the second Battalion Chief [Reference Procedural Bulletin 2010-01 for Regional

Deviation] .


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Fire Boat Operations

Fire boats can be used as a drafting unit to supply a relay, supplement an established water

supply or supply a fill site for a shuttle operation.

Command should consider setting up a land based water supply operation by calling for a Tanker

Task Force due to the limited number of fire boats and the possibility of extended response time.

An engine company needs to be assigned to the fire boat’s location to assist with the setup.


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NON-DOMESTIC HYDRANT WATER SOURCES

Dry Hydrants

Dry hydrants are typically installed in ponds, lakes, or streams but could also be found attached

to swimming pools. Dry hydrants, when installed properly, will bring the water source to an

accessible location. The water will not freeze in the winter due to the depth of dirt over the water

level in the piping. Dry hydrants should be back flushed and tested by the local fire department

every six months.

Local fire departments must have a contingency plan in times of drought.

(The Commonwealth of Virginia has had grants to facilitate the installation of the dry hydrant.

Please view the following web site for more information http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/dry-

hydrants.shtml. Additional information about dry hydrants can be found in Appendix D.)

Storage Tanks

The developers of subdivisions normally install storage tanks. Upkeep is a concern; in some

areas, it is not clear who is responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the tanks.

Tanks are normally underground and set up for drafting operations. Tanks sizes can vary widely.

Due to tank design, it is impossible to draft all water from the system.

Systems should be checked by the local fire department every six months for proper operation.

Due to typical tank sizes, these systems should not be used as the sole water source.

Static Water Sources (Ponds, Lakes, Bays, Rivers, Streams, Pools)

Static water sources can include ponds, lakes, bays, rivers, streams, and pools. The success of

using a static water source depends on the accessibility and the water depth.

Weather can hinder the use of static water sources; in drought conditions, the water levels can be

too low. In extreme cold weather, ice must be cut. In flooding conditions, debris can clog

strainers.

Swimming pools can be used as a static water source. Many pools depend upon water weight to

support the construction of the pool or to keep the pool in the ground. Consider the risk vs.

benefit before using pool water - especially from a neighbor’s home.

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/dry-hydrants.shtml

http://www.dof.virginia.gov/fire/dry-hydrants.shtml


28

APPENDIX A – DEFINITIONS

Attack Engine: The first-arriving engine on the scene of a working fire that deploys attack

line(s).

Dump Site: The location for shuttle apparatus to dump their water. Typically, a portable tank

and/or a supply pumper (dump-site engine) will be set up at this location.

Dump Site Unit Leader (DSUL): The officer in charge (OIC) from the third engine will be

tasked as the Dump Site Unit Leader (DSUL) and will manage the water supply operations until

the arrival of the second Battalion Chief. The DSUL reports to the Water Supply Group

Supervisor (WSGS) once established. The DSUL is responsible for setting up and maintaining

the operations at the dump site.

Fill Site: The location where shuttle apparatus fill their tanks for transport to the dump site. An

engine at draft or at a hydrant will be at this location.

Fill Site Unit Leader (FSUL): The officer in charge (OIC) from the fifth engine supervises

activities at the fill site. The fill site reports to the Water Supply Group Supervisor (WSGS) and

is responsible for setting up and maintaining the operations at the fill site.

Non-Hydrant: Includes all known locations where hydrants are in excess of 2,000 feet from a

given structure. The definition of a non-hydrant area should include areas where the

infrastructure has failed and/or has limited-access highways where water supply operations may

significantly affect the handling of the incident.

Nurse Tanker: A tanker that proceeds with the initial attack engine to the incident scene and

provides water as needed for the initial attack. This is used in a combination operation scenario

where the initial layout of hose would be over 1,000 feet.

Relay Operations: The process using two or more engines to supply the attack engine(s)

directly from the water source through a supply line.

Shuttle Operations: A process using engines and tankers to move water from a specified source

to the incident scene.

Shuttle Route: The most efficient route possible for shuttle apparatus to use in transporting

water from the fill site to the dump site.

Tanker: Apparatus designed to carry water from a fill site to the incident scene. The NOVA

recommendation for a tanker is a minimum 1000 gpm pump that carries 2,000 gallons of water.

Tanker Task Force: Three tankers and one engine.


29

Water Supply Group: is established by the Incident Commander and given the primary

responsibility of supplying water to the incident scene in the needed gpm to meet the needs of

the incident. It is recommended the second Battalion Chief be assigned as the Water Supply

Group Supervisor.

Water Supply Group Supervisor (WSGS): It is recommended the second Battalion Chief be

tasked with WSGS. The WSGS is assigned the role of developing an adequate water supply for

the incident. The WSGS will need to secure their own radio channel for water supply operations.

The third due Engine OIC will be responsible for the duties of the Water Supply Group from the

Dump Site position until relieved by the WSGS.


30

APPENDIX B – WATER USAGE AGREEMENT

WATER USAGE AGREEMENT

I/We, the undersigned owner(s) of a lake, pond, creek or other

fixed body of water located at _________________________________

do hereby grant the Fire Departments permission to utilize the body

of water for emergency incident mitigation.

All other uses of said body of water shall be after notification

and permission of the owner(s).

This contract can be cancelled at any time by written notice

given thirty days in advance to the Fire Department.

_______________________________ ___/___/___

OWNER DATE

_______________________________ __/___/___

OWNER DATE

_______________________________ __/___/___

WITNESS DATE


31

APPENDIX C – WATER SUPPLY GRAPHICS

This section contains some graphic representations of certain water supply incidents.

Relay Operations

700'

1,0

00

'

1st

Eng

2nd

Eng

3rd

Eng

4th

Eng

5th

Eng

1st

Eng Lay from Higgins St. & Feaster Way

to incident, crew to fire

2nd

Eng Lay from Cullers Ave. & Higgins St.

to 1st Eng’s LDH, crew to fire

3rd

Eng lay from Legore Dr. & Cullers Ave to

2nd

Eng’s LDH. OIC to be the Dump Site

Unit Leader, crew to assist with water supply

4th

Eng lay from Hydrant on Legore Dr.

To 3rd

Eng’s LDH, crew to fire

5th

Eng hits the Hydrant, crew to fire

Additional Tankers & Engines - off load

water through Engine designated by the

Dump Site Unit Leader (in this scenario the

3rd

Eng. would be a good choice due to

location) then shuttle.

Note: If tanker is coming with first due units,

the tanker can be located by first engine and

used as a nurse tanker.

Relay OperationExample shown is a 3,200' Relay

1,0

00

'

500'

Cu

llers

Ave

.

Higgins St.

Fe

aste

r W

ay

Legore Dr.

Rh

oa

ds C

t.

Ta

nk

er

Good La.

2nd

BC (WSGS)


32

Shuttle Operation “Short Driveway” (Steps 1 through 3)

40

0'

2nd

Eng

1st

Eng Lay up drive to incident

1st

Tanker attach to Siamese at dump

site point, pump water to 1st Eng.,

drop tank or tanks & start setting up a

single tank dump site

2nd

Eng attach to Siamese, help set

up dump site and establish draft.

Once draft is established, pump water

to 1st Eng. through Siamese, Tanker

then drops water into tank and

shuttles

Dump Site

Shuttle Operation (Step 1 of 3)

Example shown is a 400' driveway

Tanker

Mullins Ave.

Mo

nro

e S

t.

1s

t En

g


33

40

0'

2nd

Eng

1st

Tanker – once 2nd

Eng establishes

draft, dumps remaining water into

tank and shuttles

2nd

Eng drafts water from tank, sets

up second pit if needed, attaches 1 ¾”

to jet siphon on hard sleeve to move

water to drafting tank

3rd

Eng OIC to be Dump Site Unit

Leader, crew to staff dump site to

insures dump site is set up, attach

LDH to pit with the supply line holder,

connect Siamese and LDH to tanks.

Engine to shuttles as needed.

Dump Site


Ta

nk

er

3rd

Eng

Additional pits may be

added if needed


Mullins Ave.

Mo

nro

e S

t.

1s

t En

g


34

40

0'

2nd Eng

3rd

En

g4

th E

ng

1st Eng at incident crew to fire

1st Tanker shuttle, dump water directly into

tanks

2nd Eng continues to draft from tanks, if

needed more tanks can be set up. Crew to

fire

3rd Eng shuttle, pump water into tanks

through LDH, crew to staff Dump Site, OIC

to be Dump Site Unit Leader

4th Eng shuttle as needed, pump water into

tanks through LDH, crew to fire

5th Eng to establish fill site, crew to staff Fill

Site, OIC to be Fill Site Unit Leader

All other Engines and Tankers Shuttle

Dump Site

Fill Site


Tanker

Note:

Tankers are the only units to off load water

directly into pits unless otherwise directed

by the Dump Site Unit Leader or the Water

Supply Group Supervisor

5th Due Engine crew to staff

Fill Site, OIC to be FSUL


1s

t E

ng

5th

En

g

3rd Due Engine crew to staff

Dump Site, OIC to be DSUL

Mullins Ave.

Mo

nro

e S

t.2nd BC (WSGS)


35

Combination Operations

1,000'

1,0

00

'

1st E

ng

2nd

Eng

3rd

En

g4

th E

ng

5th

Eng

1st

Eng Proceed to incident

2nd

Eng Lay out from dump site to Tanker’s

LDH

3rd

Eng OIC to be the Dump Site Unit Leader,

crew staff dump site, Eng. to attach to Siamese

or Wye to LDH off load water then shuttle

4th

Eng attach LDH to Siamese or Wye, off load

water then shuttle as needed

5th

Eng to establish fill site, OIC to be Fill Site

Unit Leader

All other Eng. Shuttle as needed

1st

Tanker drop tanks & establish dump site, off

load water and shuttle

(see step 2 of 2)

Additional Tankers to Shuttle

Dump Site

Fill Site

Combination Operation (A) (step 1 of 2)

Example shown is a 2,000' driveway

5th Due Engine to staff


2 M

iles

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

“Relay Shuttle Combination”

3rd

Due Engine crew to staff



36

1,000'

1,0

00

'

2nd

Eng

1st

Eng at incident, crew to fire

2nd

Eng in relay, crew to fire

3rd

Eng shuttles as needed, crew to staff

dump site, OIC to be DSUL

4th

Eng shuttles as needed, crew to fire

5th

Eng to establish fill site, crew to staff

fill site, OIC to be FSUL

1st

Tanker drop tanks & establish dump

site, off load water and shuttle, closest

engine to be used for dump site draft

Additional Tankers Shuttle

Dump Site

Combination Operation (A) (step 2 of 2)

Example shown is a 2,000' driveway2

Mile

s

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

“Relay Shuttle Combination”

3rd

Due Engine crew

to staff Dump Site,

OIC to be DSUL

LDH Direct dump

to pits for Engines

Ta

nke

r

1st E

ng



2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


37

1,000'

1,0

00

'

1st E

ng

2nd

Eng

3rd

En

g4

th E

ng

5th

Eng

Dump Site

Fill Site

Combination Operation (B) (step 1 of 2)

Example shown is a 2,000' driveway in Tanker’s first due



2 M

iles

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

“Relay Shuttle Nurse Combination”

3rd



1st

Eng Proceed to incident

1st

Tanker drop equipment at dump site point,

continue in, layout from Cooper Ct. and Artone

Dr. and supply water to 1st Eng.

2nd

Eng Lay out from dump site to Tanker’s LDH

3rd

Eng OIC to be the Dump Site Unit Leader,

crew staff dump site, Eng. to attach to Siamese

or Wye to LDH off load water then shuttle as

needed

4th

Eng attach LDH to Siamese off load water

then shuttle as needed

5th

Eng to establish fill site, OIC to be Fill Site

Unit Leader

All other Eng. Shuttle as needed

2nd


load water and shuttle (see step 2 of 2)

All other Tankers Shuttle

Tanker

2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


38

1,000'

1,0

00'

2nd

Eng

1st


1st

Tanker supply 1st Eng.

2nd


3rd

Eng shuttle as needed, crew to staff


4th

Eng shuttle as needed, crew to fire

5th



2nd





Dump Site

Combination Operation (B) (step 2 of 2)

2 M

iles

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

3rd

Due Engine crew

to staff Dump Site,

OIC to be DSUL

LDH Direct dump

to pits for Engines

2n

d T

an

ke

r

1st E

ng

1st T

anke

r

“Relay Shuttle Nurse Combination”Example shown is a 2,000' driveway in Tanker’s first due



2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


39

1,000'

1,0

00

'

1st E

ng

2n

d E

ng

3rd

En

g4

th E

ng

5th

Eng

Dump Site

Fill Site

Combination Operation (C) (step 1 of 2)

Example shown is a 2,000' driveway in Tanker’s first due with limited LDH



2 M

iles

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

“Relay Shuttle Nurse Combination”

3rd



1st

Eng lay out from Artone Dr. & Cooper Ct. to

incident

1st

Tanker drop equipment at dump site point,

continue in, use extreme caution to miss 1st Eng.’s

LDH

2nd

Eng Lay out from dump site to 1st Eng.’s LDH

3rd

Eng OIC to be the Dump Site Unit Leader, crew

staff dump site, Eng. to attach to Siamese or Wye

to LDH off load water then shuttle

4th

Eng attach LDH to Siamese off load water then

shuttle as needed

5th

Eng to establish fill site, OIC to be Fill Site Unit

Leader

All other Eng. Shuttle

2nd


load water and shuttle (see step 2 of 2)

All other Tankers Shuttle

1st T

anker

1st

Tanker must use

extreme caution to avoid

1st

Engine’s LDH

2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


40

1,000'

1,0

00

'

2nd

Eng

1st


1st

Tanker supply 1st Eng.

2nd


3rd

Eng shuttle as needed, crew to staff


4th

Eng shuttle as needed, crew to fire

5th



2nd





Dump Site

Combination Operation (C) (step 2 of 2)



2 M

iles

Co

op

er

Ct.

Artone Dr.

Mo

na

co

St.

3rd

Due Engine crew

to staff Dump Site,

OIC to be DSUL

LDH Direct dump

to pits for Engines

2n

d T

an

ke

r

1st E

ng

1st T

anke

r

“Relay Shuttle Nurse Combination”Example shown is a 2,000' driveway in Tanker’s first due with limited LDH

2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


41

700'

1,0

00'

2n

d E

ng

3rd

En

g

4th

Eng

5th

Eng

1st

Eng lay from Fairfax Dr. and Arlington St. to

incident, crew to fire

2nd

Eng Lay from Alexandria Pkwy and Fairfax

Dr. to 1st Eng. LDH, crew to fire

3rd

Eng lay from Prince William Hwy and

Alexandria Pkwy to 2nd

Eng’s LDH. OIC to be

the Dump Site Unit Leader

4th

Eng lay from Hydrant on Prince William

Hwy to 3rd

Eng LDH

5th

Eng hit Hydrant

6th

Eng in this specific situation go to establish

fill site, OIC to be Fill Site Unit Leader since 5th

Eng. is in shuttle

Additional Tanker shuttle to supplement relay

Combination Operation (D)

Example shown is a 3,200' Relay from low GPM Hydrant supplemented by a shuttle

1,0

00'

500'

Fairfax Dr.

Arlin

gto

n S

t.

Prince William Hwy

Ta

nke

r

Ale

xa

nd

ria

Pkw

y

1st Eng.

Lo

ud

ou

n C

t.

“Relay Operation supplemented by a Shuttle Operation”

2n

d B

C (

WS

GS

)


42

Fire Boat Operation

1,000'

1,0

00

'

1st E

ng

2nd

Eng

3rd

En

g

Basic Relay operation supplied by a

Fire Boat.

The Fire Boat can be the water supply

or it could be used as a supplemental

water supply on large incidents.

Depending on the jurisdiction and

location, the Fire Boats may have a

lengthy response or may be involved

in another incident. Call for a Tanker

Task Force and set up a land based

operation until the Fire Boat relay is

operational.

Fire Boat Relay Operation “Relay from a Fire Boat”

3rd

Due Engine OIC to be

the Dump Site Unit Leader

Bo

at D

ock

Fire Boat

Fire Boat

LDH to a land based water

supply until the Fire Boat

relay is operational


43

Fill Site Operations

Tanker

Gated Wye

4" LDH

2 - 3" Lines

Draft or Hydrant

Normally handled by the 5th Engine

OIC to be Fill Site Unit Leader

Personnel must be ready to hook and unhook lines

Driver does not need to shut lines down if Wye is utilized

This could be set from a hydrant or from draft

4" LDH

Gated Wye

2 - 3" Lines

Tanker

Engine

Tankers have priority over Engines

Fill Site Operations

Note: For engines with Electronic

Governor controls, always draft

and fill in RPM mode.

Filling in pressure mode can

cause tank failure!

Fill one

unit at a

time


44

APPENDIX D – DRY HYDRANTS AND STORAGE TANKS

Typical Dry Hydrant

Note: Back flush system prior to use.


45

Typical Water Storage Tank

Note: Tank sizes vary. This is not a sustainable water supply. Systems must be refilled after use.


46

APPENDIX E – NOVA QUICK REFERENCE SHEET

Unit Shuttle Operation Combination Operations Relay Operations

1st Engine

Lay supply line from dump

site to the incident, (split lay

may be necessary). Advise

incoming units of the mode

of attack, supply line

positioning, dump & fill site

locations. Command

decision.

Announce water supply

instructions to incoming

units. On-scene report, size-

up, command decision.

Consider requesting

additional resources.

Lay supply line from location

<1000' from incident. Advise

incoming units of the mode

of attack & supply line drop

preplanned positions.

Command decision.

2nd Engine

Supply water to the 1st

Engine via the Siamese.

Establish dump site. Engine

prepares to draft from tank.

Officer & crew report to the

fireground. Assume

Command if needed.

Complete split lay for relay

operations or establish the

Dump Site. Supply water to

the 1st Engine. Officer &

crew report to the fireground.

Assume Command if not

established.

All Engines- Lay supply line

from preplanned points to 1st

Engine's supply line until at

water source. 2nd Eng. -

Officer & crew report to the

fireground. Assume

Command as needed.

3rd Engine [Reference PB 2010-01

For

Regional Deviation]

Officer & crew set up & staff

the dump site. Officer

establishes the Dump Site.

Engine driver pumps or

dumps water at the dump site

& enters the shuttle operation

if needed. OIC will become

the "Dump Site Unit Leader"

Officer establishes the Dump

Site. Crew performs water

supply operations as directed.

Operations may include:

establish dump site, set-up

portable pumps, hand -lay

additional supply lines etc.

OIC will become the "Dump

Site Unit Leader"

Officer establishes the Dump

Site & directs the off loading

of supplemental shuttling

units and coordinates water

supply. Crew to assist with

water supply as needed. OIC

will become the "Dump Site

Unit Leader"

4th Engine [Reference PB 2010-01

For

Regional Deviation]

Officer & crew establish RIT.

Engine Driver pumps or

dumps water at the dump site

& enters the shuttle operation

if needed.


Engine Driver shuttles or

pumps as part of a relay

depending on the operation

being used.


Engine Driver pumps in

relay, supplemental shuttle,

drafts or hits hydrant as

needed

5th Engine

Establish & staff the fill site

at the designated location.

OIC will become the "Fill

Site Unit Leader"

Shuttle Ops: Establish & staff

the fill site. OIC will become

the "Fill Site Unit Leader"

Officer & crew to assist as

needed. Engine Driver pumps

in relay, supplemental

shuttle, drafts or hits hydrant

as needed

1st, 2ndTruck &

1st Rescue

Position as close as possible

for crew and equipment

access. APPARATUS

MUST NOT BLOCK THE

TRAVEL LANES USED BY

SHUTTLE APPARATUS.

Consider the use of adjacent

driveways.



access. APPARATUS

MUST NOT BLOCK THE


SHUTTLE APPARATUS.


driveways.



access. APPARATUS

MUST NOT BLOCK THE


SHUTTLE APPARATUS.


driveways.

1st Tanker

Supply the 1st engine via the

Siamese. Drop all equipment

needed to establish the dump

site. Once draft is established

from tank by 2nd Engine,

dump any remaining water

into tank and begin the

shuttle.

Supply the 1st engine via a

Siamese. Drop all equipment

needed to establish the dump

site. Once the dump site is

established dump any

remaining water into tank and

begin the shuttle.

Supply the 1st engine via the

Siamese or relay engine. If

not locked in the relay, tanker

will supplemental shuttle

until continuous water source

is established.


47

2nd Tanker

Report to Dump Site, Dump

water, & Enter the shuttle

operation

Same as 1st Tanker Report to Dump Site, Dump

water, & supplemental

shuttle.

1st BC Assume Incident Command Assume Incident Command Assume Incident Command

2nd BC

Assumes responsibility as the

Water Supply Group

Supervisor near Dump Site

area.


Water Supply Group

Supervisor.


Water Supply Group

Supervisor.

1st EMS unit

PPE, Establish Rehab, May

be assigned to augment the

operation-Request additional

EMS unit when assigned to

firefighting or supply

operations.






operations.






operations.

1st EMS

Supervisor

If suppression trained, assist

the IC as needed.


the IC as needed.


the IC as needed.

3rd

BC

Report to Command for

Assignment with PPE and

SCBA



SCBA



SCBA


48

APPENDIX H – NOVA RURAL WATER SUPPLY WORKSHEET

Documents

Water Supply for Suburban and Rural Firefighting, First